BERKSHIRE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL WRAPS SPECTACULAR NINETEENTH YEAR

THE BERKSHIRE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL WRAPS SPECTACULAR NINETEENTH YEAR PAYING TRIBUTE TO AWARD-WINNING ACTOR BRIAN COX, SCREENING 75 FILMS, WITH DOZENS OF FILMMAKERS, TEA TALKS AND EVENTS!

Juried Prize, ”nexGen” Award, Audience Awards and “Next Great Filmmaker” Awards Announced!

June 2, 2025, Great Barrington, MA – Sunday, the Berkshire International Film Festival wrapped a spectacular festival, filled with luminaries such as Brian Cox, Kenneth Cole, Dori Berinstein, Bob Mackie, and the executive producer from the closing night film, as well as over 60 filmmakers in attendance and hundreds of film lovers. Today, BIFF announces the winners of the annual BIFF Juried Prize Award, the BIFF Audience Award, the “nexGen” Student film award and the Berkshire Bank’s “Next Great Filmmaker” award. BIFF patrons watched films and attended panels in-person at the Triplex Cinema, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center and the Indigo Room in Great Barrington and at the Lenox Town Hall, as well as online. Please visit the link to see all the BIFF photos from photographer Julia Kaplan: BIFF Photo Gallery.

In the Juried Narrative category, the Indian film BOONG directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, was awarded the top prize. An honorable mention was awarded to actress Miriam Shor for her performance in MAGIC HOUR.

In the Juried Documentary category, the winner was CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY directed by Ben Sturgulewski. An honorable mention was presented to OUT OF PLAIN SIGHT directed by Rosanna Xia and Daniel Straub. The Jury prize was presented at a brunch on Sunday at the Granville House in Great Barrington. Serving on the BIFF Jury were actor Peter Riegert, Josh Braun (Submarine Entertainment), Kristi Zea, Kent Jones, Gretchen Rennell, and Laura Sok.

Audience Award Winners:

Narrative Feature: MAGIC HOUR (Jackie Christy) and SHATTERED ICE (Alex Ranarivelo)
Documentary Feature: AMONG NEIGHBORS (Yoav Potash) and OUT OF PLAIN SIGHT (Rosanna Xia & Daniel Straub)
Narrative Short: PLANT PEOPLE (Jason Eksuzian)
Documentary Short: DEARS IN THE HEADLIGHTS (Julia Jansch), with honorable mention to UKRAINIAN DANCE MOVIE (Roxy Toporowych)

The 15th annual Berkshire Bank “Next Great Filmmaker Award” went to LIVESTREAMS WITH GRANDMA PUZZLES by Emily Sheskin. Emily was in attendance to accept the award announced by Mark Pedrotti of Berkshire Bank.

The first annual “nexGen” Student Film Competition winners were:

HUNCH by Hunter Wilson
HANDWOVEN by Dasha Levin
THAW by Brandon Reed and Emely Marte

Highlights of the 4-day festival included the opening night screening of A MAN WITH SOLE: THE IMPACT OF KENNETH COLE, with Kenneth Cole and director Dori Berenstein in attendance. The Opening Night party featured the second annual foodie festival “The Taste of BIFF” with food from:

Brian Alberg Catering
Briskette & Birdie
The Elm
Frankie’s
Haven Cafe
Juju’s
Number Ten
The Old Inn on the Green
The Red Lion Inn
SoCo
Bliss Crumbs & Coffee
Fuel
After Hours

This event was sponsored by Berkshire Bank.

On Saturday evening, BIFF honored legendary actor BRIAN COX in conversation with his wife Nicole Ansari-Cox. David Rasche (of Succession) was also in attendance. The evening included a tented party with cocktails, dinner, and jazz by Peter Platt and Old Inn on the Green, followed by a private dinner.

TEA TALKS returned for the eighth year with:

“Fashioning a Greener Future” – Dana Thomas
“The Director’s Circle” – Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine & Rashaad Ernesto Green
“Break the Frame” – Kevin Smokler in conversation with Wendy Lobel, Jackie Christy, and Yael Melamede

A special screening of BOB MACKIE: NAKED ILLUSION featured Bob Mackie himself in attendance for a behind-the-scenes talk.

The closing night film was the Sundance hit MARLEE MATLIN: NOT ALONE ANYMORE. Executive Producer Michael Kantor was in attendance for a post-film Q&A.

BIFF screened 75 films—narratives, documentaries, shorts—and hosted 60+ filmmakers. Events included free children’s programming and parties throughout downtown Great Barrington, including a Filmmaker Party sponsored by Berkshire One at the Indigo Room.

In its 19th year, BIFF hosted the 15th annual Filmmakers Summit, a 2-day industry event with panels and special sessions led by professionals. Sponsored by Mary Mott & Gordon Simmering and The Frances Davis Fund.

Premiere Sponsors: Triplex Cinema, Studio Two, The Red Lion Inn, Berkshire Bank, The Roaring Brook Family Foundation, The Frances Davis Fund, Annie Selke Companies, Love Today Productions, The Granville House, Old Mill Road Media

Presenting Sponsors: Karen Allen Fiber Arts, Berkshire Mountain Distillers, Stella Artois, Haven Cafe, Archer Roose Wines, Abbott’s Livery, Warrior Trading, Fairfield Inn, Dare Bottleshop and Provisions

Festival Partners: Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center and Lenox Town Hall

With over 1000 film submissions in 2025, BIFF has become a must-attend destination for filmmakers and fans alike.

The 20th annual BIFF will take place May 28 – 31, 2026. Submissions open October 1, 2025. Passes go on sale November 1, 2025.